John R. Hackney

CAPE NEDDICK — John Robert "Bob" Hackney, 91, died peacefully Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at Sentry Hill in York, after a period of declining health.

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Posted Nov. 21, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Posted Nov. 21, 2012 at 2:00 AM

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CAPE NEDDICK — John Robert "Bob" Hackney, 91, died peacefully Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at Sentry Hill in York, after a period of declining health.

Born on Aug. 19, 1921, to Sidney and Effie (Chase) Hackney in York, Bob spent his childhood growing up with his many friends and cousins in rural York Beach.

Before graduating in 1941 from York High School, his teen years were spent at the Gay White Way in York Beach, managing the shooting gallery and repairing pinball machines. After graduation, he apprenticed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. With World War II under way, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served with the 91st Airborne for three years at Wheeler Field, Oahu, and Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii, as a gunner on B-24 bombers.

Returning home at the close of the war, he married Dorothy E. Strout of Bridgton and returned to the shipyard to resume work in electrical Shop 51 and later in electronics Shop 67. During those years, he was the recipient of a number of awards for his innovative and cost-saving strategies. He retired from the shipyard in 1976.

In the 1950s and '60s, Bob and Dot built, owned and managed Skipper's Bay Cottages in York Beach, and upon his retirement, he began to build a series of homes in the York area.

In his retirement, he indulged his love of woodworking and spent many hours in his shop; numerous friends and family were the recipients of beautiful maple tables or hand-carved seagulls and loons. Bob was an easygoing man gifted with the mind of an inventor, a quick wit and ready laughter. For over 40 years he worshipped at the Kittery Church of Christ.

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years in 2010.

He leaves behind his sister Elinor Hall, of York Beach; his daughter Valerie Seaton and husband, David, of Cape Neddick; and two grandsons, Matthew Seaton and wife, Jennifer, of Manchester, N.H., and Jared Seaton, of Hancock.

A memorial service was held Nov. 19 at the Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home in York. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gander Brook Christian Camp, Building Fund, P.O. Box 1423, Littleton, MA 01460; or at www.ganderbrook.org. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road, York is directing arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com.